Lloyds Tsb Leagues News (divisions 3,5)

20 January 2004 10:21

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DIVISION THREE ROUNDUP.

Brecon secured a welcome 29-3 victory over struggling Barry in South East to ease their own position in the lower half of the division. Gilfach Goch dealt Rhydyfelin a blow after winning a tight encounter 27-25 and Nantymoel kept up the pressure at the top after beating Ynysybwl 34-5. Treherbert's bad run continued as they crashed 21-16 against Tonyrefail.

Talywain beat Senghenydd 17-11 in the shock of the day in East, where there were victories for Abergavenny, 29-7 against Abercarn, and Pill Harriers who had seven tries in their 50-0 rout of Newport HSOB. Llanishen are back in the

promotion race after a thrilling 23-18 victory at rivals Cwmbran.

Pontyberem's 22-10 win against Haverfordwest extended their lead at the top of West after joint leaders Kidwelly slipped to a 10-7 defeat at Tenby. A 66-13 success against Trimsaran has pushed Gorseinon into a good position. Darren

Wilcox collected 31 points to create a new club record for Gorseinon but Lampeter are also looking strong after they won 24-19 at Gowerton.

Banwen stay out in front in South West after a 34-7 victory at bottom club Trebanos. Maesteg Quins remain in a challenging position following their 28-3 win at Seven Sisters as do Glynneath who won 53-12 at Ystalyfera. Nantyffyllon suffered a big defeat at Mumbles where they were routed 68-18.

DIVISION FOUR.

Leaders Taibach are looking over their shoulder in the South-West, despite a 28-12 win at Pyle, with Alltwen in second after a good 24-14 win over earlier pace-setters Cwmgors and it is Briton Ferry who are coming up on the rails after a good 20-13 win at Glais

Bargoed's 22-13 win at Blaina was a case of first beating second in the East, but Bargoed now have zoomed clear to lead by 11 points. Wing Ivor Jones, hooker Brett Wakefield and centre David Lynch, the player-coach, scored tries and fly

The big Penarth derby game in the South-East saw the Seasiders defeat Old Penarthians by 16-11 that began with Penarth skipper Mike Clare going over for a try in the opening minutes. The Old Boys gained a try from full back Nigel Edmonds, but their loss meant the clubs are even 1-1 this season.

Leaders Ruthin won 64-14 at bottom club Bala in the North and still stay in front of Nant Conwy, who won 32-5 at Llandudno.

DIVISION FIVE.

Cwmgwrach gained their best win of the season when they held out for a 15-12 victory over Porthcawl in South West. Resolven are out on their own at the top of the table and a 70-0 success at Swansea Uplands lifted them ten points clear. Crynant joined Aberavon Green Stars in second place after a 30-7 win at Neath Athletic.

Llandaff moved further away at the top of South East after winning 24-17 at second placed Llantwit Major. Llandaff North kept up the pressure at the top after easily beating visitors Ferndale 45-14 and Cilfynydd are also in the shake-up after a 22-0 success over the Broncos of Deri.

Gwernyfed defeated Machen 20-7 in the East, as leaders Trinant were made to work hard before winning 22-12 at Usk but Oakdale had it all their own way as they romped to an 82-5 victory over an outclassed Garndiffaith.

Two touchdowns by Steve Davison was enough to give Colwyn Bay a 12-5 victory over Bangor in Five but leaders Denbigh won 29-17 against Welshpool to remain three points clear.

In the West, Cefneithen proved their position at the top is no fluke by routing visitors Furnace 52-0 but Crymych stay in contention following their 46-22

Merthyr secured the league and cup double on Saturday after adding the Principality Premiership title with one game to spare, just two weeks after lifting the National Cup title at Principality Stadium.

More than 50 school, college, club, social and representative teams from all over Wales enjoyed one of the best experiences of their lives over the last fortnight, playing a final or community match on the Principality Stadium pitch.

The WRU Plate final had a lot to live up to after a stunning Bowl final, but Brynmawr and Nant Conwy produced another corker. The north Walians saw their 19-7 lead evaporate as Brynmawr stormed to a 50-29 victory

Porthcawl and Pembroke served up a real thriller in the WRU Bowl final at Principality Stadium on Sunday. Pembroke trailed 27-5 before staging a remarkabe comeback but Porthcawl had the final say with an injury time penalty to earn a 33-31 victory.

Nant Conwy head coach Kevin Thomas and Ifan Jones look forward to Sunday's WRU National Plate final where they say it is a 'massive day out for the club and community' as they prepare to tackle Brynmawr at Principality Stadium

Merthyr coach Dale McIntosh and second row Craig Locke look to draw on their experiences playing in the WRU National Cup Final to help Merthyr lift the title for the first time this Sunday when they face Newport at Principality Stadium.

More than 250 members of Girlguiding Cymru recently added a Rugby Participation Badge to their collection by taking part in a fun festival at Cardiff Met. The WRU is working with Girlguiding Cymru to provide new opportunities for girls and make connections with the girls-only rugby clusters around Wales.